Community Development Specialist

Entrepreneurs and small businesses in El Salvador are seeking to build the necessary skills to successfully launch or grow their enterprises. 

The Government of El Salvador has named economic growth and tourism as national priorities, with a commitment to expanding access to financial and educational support to underserved populations. The government’s strategic plan is designed to modernize infrastructure and boost the economy by developing policies aimed at economic and social growth. Between 2019 and 2024, international tourism increased by 89%, which indicated new economic opportunities. Crucial to the economic growth of El Salvador, micro and small enterprises (MSEs) represent 96% of all businesses with over half of those MSEs led by women. MSEs face significant challenges, including limited access to financing, high informality rates, and barriers to formalization. Digitalization also represents a crucial area for improvement in this dynamic sector, and continued efforts are needed to advance this aspect.

As a Community Development Specialist, you will work with youth 18-29 to develop the skills to strengthen personal finance, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills. You will equip business owners and entrepreneurs-in-the-making to create savings groups, market goods, and develop new products. Your collective efforts will improve individual livelihoods and help the country meet its growing tourism needs.

Associate degree in any field and at least two years of full-time, post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles).
OR
Bachelor's degree in any field.
OR
High school diploma or GED and four years of full-time, post-high school work (from any combination of roles).

Volunteers will live in a private room within a host family’s house with shared common spaces, such as the living room and kitchen. Most placements are in a rural community with intermittent access to electricity and running water. The Volunteer will walk or use public buses to commute.

Develop an expertise in project design and management, financial management, and launching a small business. 

Gain a better understanding of business challenges that face communities in South America.
Strengthen Spanish language skills in an immersive, intercultural environment.

Conduct assessments and develop work plans based on community, small business, or organizational needs.  
Provide training on project design and management practices, personal money management, business planning, marketing, digital literacy, financial management, and product design. 
Facilitate entrepreneurship workshops for business owners. 
Support the development of innovative business ideas. 
Work with youth and individuals to promote entrepreneurial behaviors.
Facilitate the creation and strengthening of community savings groups.
Promote community engagement and active participation in economic opportunities. 

You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as English conversation clubs.

As a Community Development Specialist, you will be trained on participatory methodologies, personal money management best practices, and business development. Peace Corps/El Salvador will teach you Spanish to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community.

After 11 weeks of training, you will move to rural community where you will collaborate with community leaders, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. You will work with the community to assess the economic needs and develop income-generating solutions.